Jung Woo-young Shines In Korea Derby As Lee Gwang-gi Cheers In Berlin

It was a night to remember at Berlin’s Stadion An der Alten Försterei, where the worlds of art, family, and football collided in spectacular fashion. South Korean actor and art director Lee Gwang-gi, known for his creative pursuits and now for his heartwarming support as a father-in-law, made his first trip to Germany to witness his son-in-law, Jung Woo-young, take to the pitch for Union Berlin. What unfolded was a story that transcended the boundaries of sport, blending personal milestones with the electric atmosphere of the Bundesliga.

Lee Gwang-gi’s journey to Berlin was more than a simple family visit. He was in Europe for a series of meetings with renowned artists such as Lee Jin-woo, Chae Seong-pil, Joseph Choi, and Japanese painter Ayako Rokkaku, but the timing of Union Berlin’s home match against Mainz 05 was serendipitous. The match, played on January 10, 2026, marked Union Berlin’s first official game of the new year and featured a highly anticipated “Korea Derby”—a faceoff between South Korean internationals Jung Woo-young and Mainz’s Lee Jae-sung.

The anticipation among Korean football fans was palpable, with many eager to see how the two compatriots would fare against each other on the German stage. For Lee Gwang-gi, however, the occasion was deeply personal. Upon arrival at Berlin Airport, he was greeted by his daughter and son-in-law, who surprised him with a heartfelt welcome. Jung Woo-young, ever the thoughtful host, displayed a message on his phone reading, “Father, welcome to Germany,” drawing smiles and admiration from onlookers. Lee later reflected, “I felt like a real superstar, receiving such a warm welcome.”

Despite the wintry conditions—Berlin had seen heavy snowfall leading up to the game—local fans ensured the stadium and its surroundings were clear, a testament to the city’s passion for football. “Even in subzero temperatures, seeing fans and citizens prepare the stadium for the match really showed me how passionate German football supporters are,” Lee remarked, clearly touched by the dedication he witnessed.

The match itself was a rollercoaster. Union Berlin found themselves trailing 2-0 deep into the second half, with Mainz’s Lee Jae-sung orchestrating play from midfield. Lee provided a sublime left-footed pass in the 30th minute, setting up Nadim Amiri for the opening goal, and was instrumental in the buildup to Mainz’s second, contributing his seventh attacking point of the season (four goals, three assists). The “Korea Derby” narrative intensified when Jung Woo-young entered the fray as a substitute in the 71st minute, setting the stage for a dramatic turn.

With just over ten minutes remaining, Union Berlin desperately needed a spark. That’s when Jung Woo-young delivered. In the 77th minute, Derrick Köhn swung in a cross from the left, and Jung, showing trademark determination, launched himself forward to head the ball into the net. The stadium erupted as he pointed to the stands, dedicating the goal to his father-in-law. It was Jung’s first Bundesliga goal of the 2025-26 season and his second overall, following a DFB-Pokal strike in August. The moment was immortalized on social media, with Lee Gwang-gi posting, “Our son-in-law is the best! Scoring his first goal of the year in the first match I attend—amazing. Both Yeon-ji and I are so proud.”

Jung Woo-young’s journey to this point has been marked by perseverance and adaptability. After a loan spell at Stuttgart last season, where he notched three goals and two assists, he made a permanent move to Union Berlin. Capable of playing as both an attacking midfielder and a second striker, Jung’s versatility has made him a valuable asset. His international credentials are impressive—he was the top scorer at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou with eight goals and represented South Korea at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, earning 22 caps and scoring four times.

Meanwhile, Lee Jae-sung’s influence for Mainz was undeniable. In addition to his assist, he was pivotal in the build-up to their second goal, showcasing the depth of Korean talent in Germany’s top flight. But Union Berlin refused to go quietly. In the 86th minute, Marin Ljubičić rose to head home the equalizer, earning the home side a hard-fought 2-2 draw. The result kept Union Berlin in ninth place with 22 points (six wins, four draws, six losses), while Mainz remained at the bottom of the table.

The match wasn’t just about goals and points—it was a celebration of the growing influence of Korean players in European football and the powerful bonds of family. Lee Gwang-gi’s presence in the stands was more than symbolic. His support, especially in the face of recent public scrutiny and criticism back home, offered Jung Woo-young a boost of confidence. The actor has been candid about the pressures faced by athletes and has used his social media platforms to encourage positivity and resilience, both for his son-in-law and for fans following their journeys.

“I was so happy to be treated like a top Hallyu star,” Lee joked, but his pride was unmistakable. The family’s story has resonated in South Korea, where the intersection of sports, entertainment, and personal relationships often captures the imagination of the public. Lee’s daughter, Yeon-ji, married Jung Woo-young in June of the previous year, and the couple’s warmth was evident in their reunion at the airport and in the stands.

Jung Woo-young, for his part, has embraced his role as both athlete and family man. He’s been active on social media, sharing moments from the match and expressing gratitude for the support he’s received. According to media reports, his leadership on and off the field has not gone unnoticed, with fans and pundits praising his work ethic and team-first mentality.

Elsewhere in Europe, Korean footballers continued to make headlines. Celtic’s Yang Hyun-jun scored in a 4-0 Scottish Premiership win over Dundee United, notching his third goal of the season. The wave of Korean talent across the continent is unmistakable, and nights like this in Berlin only reinforce the sense of pride among supporters back home.

As the final whistle blew and the lights dimmed over Berlin, the memory of a father-in-law’s journey and a son-in-law’s goal lingered. For Lee Gwang-gi, the trip was more than a chance to cheer from the stands—it was a testament to the enduring power of family, the passion of football fans, and the special moments that happen when worlds collide. With the Bundesliga season heating up and more “Korea Derbies” on the horizon, all eyes will remain on Union Berlin and its South Korean stars, both on and off the field.